Sep 24 Review: Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung

I had heard about this book coming out for a while. When Joe Thorn read it, liked it, reviewed it, and recommended it I thought, "Ok, I'll give it a look ... when I have time." It wasn't until I got an email from the WTS bookstore about a free PDF offer of the book that I took it seriously (... who doesn't like free?).

What I found in the book was ... way more that I expected. DeYoung attacks the problem of busyness from a lot of different angles. From the problem(s) of pride (chapter 3) to the tendencies to overcommit (chapter 4). From lacking priorities (chapter 5) to the kid factor (chapter 6). From the problems of "screen time" (chapter 7) to lack of rest (chapter 8). From false expectations (chapter 9) to what to do about all of it (chapter 10).

In the end (actually throughout the book), the author seems to make the same argument for each problem: our priorities are out of whack. We make good and needful things ultimate things. The solution:

The antidote to busyness of soul is not sloth and indifference. The antidote is rest, rhythm, death to pride, acceptance of our own finitude, and trust in the providence of God.

The busyness that's bad is not the busyness of work, but the busyness that works at the wrong things. It's being busy trying to please people, busy trying to control others, busy trying to do things we haven't been called to do. (pg. 109)

In order to trust God's providence, we need to be spending time with Him, knowing Him deeper with each passing year, and relying on His strength to accomplish His goals.

If you are losing the battle with busyness, get this book. If you want to better understand the "whys" of busyness, get this book. This isn't just a book for pastors (who are usually busy), it's a book for all who are busy. It's a short, good read. I encourage you to get it and read it.

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